SOM e-NEWS
The e-newsletter for faculty and staff at the UTMB School of Medicine News and information (appointments, searches, events, awards, etc.) pertaining to the School of Medicine are featured in SOM e-NEWS in abstract form and are linked to the web for more detailed information. If you have information you would like published in this newsletter, please contact Denise Gonzalez, in the Dean of Medicine Office via email (djgonzal@utmb.edu) or by fax (29598). Please let us know your ideas and suggestions for this communication format. You may send your comments via email to Jackie Genovese, Chief Communications Officer, School of Medicine, jmgenove@utmb.edu.
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- UPCOMING EVENTS
- DRS. GARY HANKINS AND ROBERT HIRSCHFELD NAMED TOP DOCTORS FOR WOMEN
- DR. KIRK SMITH AWARDED PROFESSORSHIP FROM GOLD FOUNDATION
- DRS. MICHAEL AINSWORTH AND KAREN SZAUTER RECEIVE ABSTRACT AWARD
- UTMB FACULTY RECEIVE UT SYSTEM GRANT
- APPOINTMENTS TO ENDOWED POSITIONS
- OTHER FACULTY HONORS AND DISTINCTIONS
- OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCES RESIDENTS ACCEPTED TO FELLOWSHIPS
- UTMB STUDY INCLUDED IN TIME MAGAZINE'S "YEAR IN MEDICINE"
- GALVESTON NATIONAL LABORATORY ANNOUNCES NEWSLETTER
- REGULATIONS AND ETHICS IN CLINICAL RESEARCH COURSE
- REGISTER NOW - INNOVATIONS IN HEALTH SCIENCE EDUCATION CONFERENCE
- SCHOOL OF MEDICINE IN THE NEWS
- WE WANT YOUR NEWS!
1. UPCOMING EVENTS
DECEMBER FACULTY OF MEDICINE MEETING
The December Faculty of Medicine Meeting will be held on December 17th, 5:15 PM, Levin Hall North Auditorium. The agenda will include a discussion regarding the new administrative structure in the School of Medicine, and the education, research and patient care missions.
MEDICINE IN CHALLENGING ENVIRONMENTS (M.I.C.E.) CONFERENCE 2009
The UTMB Aerospace Medicine Residency Program is co-sponsoring the 3rd Annual Medicine in Challenging Environments (MICE) conference at the Hilton Galveston Island in Galveston, on February 2-6, 2009. The theme this year will be “Survival in the Extreme.” This unique conference is designed for physicians and other health professionals interested in the practice of medicine in unusual, exotic and/or dangerous environments. Registration and full conference information can be accessed at: http://www.trueresearch.org/mice2009/index.aspx
OSLER CLUB EVENT PLANNED FOR FEBRUARY
The Osler Club cordially invites you to attend a lecture/performance by Megan Cole, Tuesday, February 17, 2009, 5:30 PM, at B'nai Israel Temple in Galveston. Ms. Cole will explore connections between medicine and literature by combining some of Dr. Osler's aphorisms with readings
from poetry, plays, and short stories. The focus is how both medicine and art can be illuminated by cross-reference.Ms. Cole has had a long acting career on the professional stage, and in recent years has also guest-starred on various popular television shows, including “Seinfeld,” “ER,” “Star Trek,” “The Practice,” “Judging Amy,” and others. She is Artist-in-Residence at the University of Texas/Houston, where she conducts a series of workshops on empathic physician/patient communication, as well as classes on Literature and Medicine. Click here to read Ms. Cole's bio
To RSVP or for further information, contact Rosemary Lindley, rmlindle@utmb.edu, 409-747-9681.
2. DRS. GARY HANKINS AND ROBERT HIRSCHFELD NAMED TOP DOCTORS FOR WOMEN
Gary D.V. Hankins, M.D., Professor and Chair, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, and Robert M.A. Hirschfeld, M.D., Professor and Chair, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, were named as two of America’s Top Doctors for Women by Women’s Health Magazine. Drs. Hankins and Hirschfeld were one of 16 doctors in their respective fields named in the entire country.
Dr. Hankins is the Jennie Sealy Smith Distinguished Professor at UTMB. He has been included in the America’s Top Doctors listing for the past four years.
“The university is fortunate to have Dr. Hankins who is highly regarded nationally and internationally in the area of high risk pregnancy care and research,” said Dr. Garland Anderson, Dean of the School of Medicine and Executive Vice President and Provost. Read more
Dr. Hirschfeld holds the Titus H. Harris Chair at UTMB and is the recipient of numerous honors, including the prestigious Edward A. Strecker M.D. Award and the Texas Society of Psychiatric Physicians Psychiatric Excellence Award. He is listed among The Best Doctors in America and America’s Top Doctors.
“Dr. Hirschfeld is an international expert on bipolar disorder and depression, and the university is fortunate to have him,” said Dr. Garland D. Anderson. Read more
3. DR. KIRK SMITH AWARDED PROFESSORSHIP FROM GOLD FOUNDATION
Kirk L. Smith, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Family Medicine and the Institute for the Medical Humanities, has been selected as the recipient of a $75,000 three-year professorship from the Arnold P. Gold Foundation. This honor is in recognition of Dr. Smith's longstanding work on professionalism in medicine, and his very active engagement with the Gold Foundation both locally and nationally in support of their efforts to promote medical professionalism and humanism.
Dr. Smith also serves as Director, Frontera de Salud, and
Associate Director for Community Outreach, Stark Diabetes Center.
4. DRS. MICHAEL AINSWORTH AND KAREN SZAUTER RECEIVE ABSTRACT AWARD
Michael A. Ainsworth, M.D., Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, and Karen E. Szauter, M.D., Professor, Departments of Internal Medicine and Preventive Medicine and Community Health, recently received an award for their research abstract submission to the Society for Simulation in Healthcare meeting in Orlando, Florida in January, 2009. The abstract titled “Broadening the Assessment of Physical Examination Skills in a Standardized Patient Examination" won third place in the education division.
Dr. Ainsworth is nationally and internationally recognized for his pioneering contributions in the development and improvement of standardized patient exams. He has received grants from the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) related to this area and also received grants from the Josiah Macy, Jr. Foundation to support a regional collaboration on medical student performance assessment. Peer recognition of his expertise is evident from his appointments on national committees that impact medical education, which include committees of the NBME and the American College of Physicians.
Dr. Ainsworth currently serves as Associate Dean for Educational Affairs, Associate Dean for Regional Medical Education, Director of Clinical Assessment and Professional Development, and Director of the Integrated Curriculum Evaluation Exercise.
Dr. Szauter’s contributions and extensive experience as an educator and developer of standardized patient examinations go far beyond UTMB. She is recognized internationally for her work on the use of standardized patients to assess clinical skills and has received national recognition for her work on professionalism, which includes papers published in top journals and participation in panel discussions at the AAMC’s annual meetings. In addition, Dr. Szauter has served as a committee member for the NBME Clinical Skills Assessment on both the Interdisciplinary Review Committee and Test Material Development Committee.
Dr. Szauter currently serves as Medical Director of the Standardized Patient Program.
5. UTMB FACULTY RECEIVE UT SYSTEM GRANT
Several UTMB faculty members have recently received grant funding from the UT System Innovations in Health Science Education Program. Dr. Gary Shokar (Family Medicine) received funding to expand his award-winning Design-A-Case web-based program to include cases from all core disciplines. Dr. Virginia Niebuhr (Pediatrics) is PI on a project to assist faculty in learning to develop web-based instruction. Other recipients include Dr. Kirk Smith (Institute for the Medical Humanities and Family Medicine) as Co-PI on a community service learning project that will expand the reaches of Frontera de Salud, Dr. Ann Frye (Office of Educational Development and Internal Medicine) as collaborator on a faculty development project led by UTHSC-San Antonio, and Dr. Lee Grumbles (Internal Medicine) as collaborator on a palliative care curriculum development project. Of the six grants awarded, five involved multiple institutions within the system and all had interprofessional education aspects. The three-year grants totaled over $3.3M.
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| Ann W. Frye, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Internal Medicine, and Assistant Dean for Educational Development |
Lee Grumbles, M.D., Assistant Professor, Internal Medicine |
Virginia N. Niebuhr, Ph.D., Professor, Pediatrics | ||
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| Gary S. Shokar, M.D., Professor, Family Medicine | Kirk L. Smith, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Family Medicine and the Institute for the Medical Humanities |
6. APPOINTMENTS TO ENDOWED POSITIONS
The following faculty were appointed to endowed positions, effective December 1, 2008:
Dai H. Chung, M.D., Professor, Department of Surgery, was appointed as the inaugural holder of the James C. Thompson, M.D. Distinguished Chair in Surgery.
Kristene K. Gugliuzza, M.D., Professor, Department of Surgery, was appointed as holder of the Alonzo Alverly Ross, M.D. Centennial Chair in General Surgery.
Marc G. Jeschke, M.D., Ph.D., M.M.S., Associate Professor, Department of Surgery, was appointed as holder of the Annie Laurie Howard Chair in Burn Surgery.
Thomas D. Kimbrough, M.D., Professor, Department of Surgery, was appointed as holder of The Le Roy Hillyer, M.D. Endowed Chair in Surgery.
William J. Mileski, M.D., Professor, Department of Surgery, was appointed as holder of the Chela and Jimmy Storm Distinguished Professorship in Surgical Research.
Taylor S. Riall, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Surgery, was appointed as holder of the John Sealy Distinguished Chair in Clinical Research.
Robert L. Ullrich, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, was appointed as holder of the John Sealy Distinguished Chair in Cancer Biology.
7. OTHER FACULTY HONORS AND DISTINCTIONS
Below is a listing of faculty who have been recognized for their outstanding achievements:
Pathology
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Stephen Higgs, Ph.D., Professor, was elected as a member of the Council of the American Society for Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. | |
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Slobodan Paessler, Ph.D., Associate Professor, has been invited to be the keynote speaker at the annual retreat of the Cornell University Infection and Pathobiology Program that is scheduled for April, 2009. | |
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Robert B. Tesh, M.D., Professor, has been appointed to the Board of Scientific Counselors for the Centers for Disease Control. |
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David H. Walker, M.D., Professor and Chair, has been invited to serve as a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council on Pandemics. |
Preventive Medicine & Community Health
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Jeffrey R. Davis, M.D., Professor, received the Theodore C. Lyster Award from the Aerospace Medical Association in Boston in May, 2008. It is given annually for outstanding achievement in the field of Aerospace Medicine. The award is sponsored by Lockheed-Martin. | |
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Richard T. Jennings, M.D., Professor, received the Hubertus Strughold Award in Boston during May from the Space Medicine Association of the Aerospace Medical Association. This award is given annually in recognition of achievement in Space Medicine. |
8. OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCES RESIDENTS ACCEPTED TO FELLOWSHIPS
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Dr. Flemmons |
Dr. Ramirez |
Congratulations to Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences senior residents, Meghan Flemmons, M.D. and Ruben Ramirez, M.D., who obtained their first choice in their post-residency fellowships. Dr. Flemmons will serve her Pediatric Fellowship at Duke Eye Center and Dr. Ramirez will serve his Cornea Fellowship at Baylor. Both are very competitive, excellent fellowships. These attainments highlight the quality of the department's residency training program, led by Brian R. Wong, M.D., Associate Professor, as well as the faculty, staff, and the residents.
9. UTMB STUDY INCLUDED IN TIME MAGAZINE'S "YEAR IN MEDICINE"
The Perinatal Research Division of the Obstetrics & Gynecology Department at UTMB participated in a study that was included in Time Magazine’s "The Year in Medicine 2008.” The study involved the use of magnesium sulfate before preterm birth for prevention of cerebral palsy. Researchers found that if pregnant women take magnesium sulfate (commonly known as Epsom salts) just hours before giving birth at 24 to 31 weeks of gestation, the odds that their infants will develop moderate to severe cerebral palsy drop by almost half. The link for the story is located at: http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1860289_1859694_1859765,00.html
10. GALVESTON NATIONAL LABORATORY ANNOUNCES NEWSLETTER
The Galveston National Laboratory has announced the launch of its monthly e-newsletter which will include important news and information regarding the GNL, including the numerous services it offers. For further details, please contact Alisha Prather at adprathe@utmb.edu.
11. REGULATIONS AND ETHICS IN CLINICAL RESEARCH COURSE
“Regulations and Ethics in Clinical Research,” is a series of 5 weekly sessions as a module in the Clinical Research Education Program titled, “Clinical Research: Tools and Techniques." This module will begin Monday, January 12, 2009, 5:15 p.m., Children’s Hospital, Room 2.312. The sessions provide an overview of regulations and ethical principles involved in clinical investigation. A brochure further describing the sessions is available upon request or at http://intranet.utmb.edu/gcrc/education/Ed_EthicsModule.htm. IRB ethics preparation, CME, CME ethics hours, Risk Education, and GME credits are available for selected sessions.
To register, complete and submit the registration form located on the brochure Internet site, or contact the Clinical Research Education Office by email creo.utmb@utmb.edu or phone 772-1484. The course fee of $50 covers registration, letter of completion, Risk Education, GME credit, and refreshments. An additional $50 covers optional CME credit for physicians. (Those who have already registered for this year’s course, “Clinical Research: Tools and Techniques” do not need to register again for this module.) The schedule of this and other components of the Clinical Research Training Program are available on the Internet at http://www.utmb.edu/gcrc/education/Ed_CREO.htm
12. REGISTER NOW - INNOVATIONS IN HEALTH SCIENCE EDUCATION CONFERENCE
An annual "Innovations in Health Science Education" conference, sponsored by the six health science campuses within the University of Texas System, will be held February 5-6, 2009 in Austin. The meeting includes nationally-recognized invited speakers together with local participants. Although organized and sponsored by the University of Texas System, all those interested in health science education are invited to attend. See details.
13. SCHOOL OF MEDICINE IN THE NEWS
Below is a listing of SOM faculty or programs in the news:
An uplifting tale of survival
The Daily Texan, Oct. 1, 2008
UTMB Drs. Courtney Townsend, Luca Cicalese and Phillip Thomas are quoted in this article about two liver transplant patients who were evacuated to Austin just before Hurricane Ike struck Galveston. The patients were taken to a hospital that has no expertise in liver transplants, so UTMB doctors flew in a helicopter to Austin to take care of the patients. “Initially, the idea was to ride out the storm, but as the storm started turning … we had to evacuate the patients. The question was, ‘Where?’” said Thomas. According to Cicalese, one of the patients was just 48 hours out of surgery and very fragile. “It’s not the kind of experience you like to have, but … I don’t think it could have gone any better,” Townsend said.
http://www.dailytexanonline.com/an_uplifting_tale_of_survival
A video about the transplant patients is at http://www.dailytexanonline.com/ and has footage of UTMB’s doctors.
Medical students, residents help
Austin American-Statesman, Oct. 2, 2008
AUSTIN – This news brief is about 100 medical students and residents from UTMB who are working and training in Austin after being displaced by Hurricane Ike. They are stationed at the University Medical Center at Brackenridge, Dell Children's Medical Center and Seton Shoal Creek psychiatric hospital, said Dr. Sam Shomaker, dean of UTMB Austin programs. They are in addition to 110 UTMB students and 170 residents in Austin as part of their scheduled training. A plan that UTMB announced Wednesday, asking employees to start returning to work Saturday, does not affect the Austin group, Shomaker said. He said he wasn't sure how long the additional students and residents would be in Austin but suspected it would be at least six weeks.
http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/10/02/1002roundup.html
Doctors want US FDA to halt cold medicines for kids
Reuters, Oct. 2, 2008
UTMB’s Dr. Wayne Snodgrass is quoted in this article in which doctors are asking that the sale of over-the-counter cough and cold medicines for children be discontinued. “Cough and cold medications ... have not been proven to be effective and they have clear risks. It is time for them to be reevaluated,” Snodgrass said at an FDA meeting.
http://www.reuters.com/article/governmentFilingsNews/idUSN0227953320081002
Versions of this article appear in numerous Web sites including Forbes.com
http://www.forbes.com/reuters/feeds/reuters/2008/10/02/2008-10-02T202010Z_01_N02288027_RTRIDST_0_COLD-CHILDREN-UPDATE-1.html
Islamic center seeks help handing out supplies
Galveston County Daily News, Oct. 6, 2008
UTMB’s Ahmed E. Ahmed is quoted in this article about the Galveston Islamic Center dispensing hurricane supplies to the needy at the same time that the center, which sustained heavy water damage, needs help. “I’m talking with my colleagues to start a mini health care center. We need volunteers to dispense the food and help clean up the containers that are here. Our main goal is to target the needy.”
http://www.galvnews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=41480e8045551a33&-session
=TheDailyNews:D149FE77189000EB5BPkOSD659A3
UTMB’s Dr. Wayne Snodgrass is quoted in the Washington Post in an article about the makers of cough and cold medications, after negotiating with the FDA, agreeing to voluntarily warn parents not to give their products to children younger than 4. Snodgrass applauded the new warnings but said they do not go far enough. The products "should not be available over-the-counter at least up to age 12," Snodgrass said.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/07/AR2008100702683.html?hpid=moreheadlines
The Newsline of the National Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems praises action taken prior to Hurricane Ike. “NAPH and its members commend the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) employees for their heroic efforts in response to Hurricane Ike on September 13. UTMB staff successfully evacuated more than 300 of its most critical patients, including more than 30 in the neonatal ICU. The entire UTMB emergency team, a burn specialist and other clinical staff rode out the storm onsite to handle unforeseen patient needs and emergencies because not all residents evacuated Galveston as warned. UTMB staff exemplified the heroism that all safety net providers exhibit in a crisis. Your dedication to putting patients first and delivering high quality care – especially when disaster strikes – is truly commendable. Click here to view UTMB's Hurricane Ike Photo Gallery and to obtain more information on their recovery efforts. “ (no link available)
The Galveston County Daily News has a news brief advising people who normally visit the UTMB eye center in Galveston that they can visit the University Eye Center in Friendswood.
http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=8d589bf24c1fe246
Research studies involving human subjects restarted at UTMB
Guidry News, Oct. 21, 2008
The General Clinical Research Center resumed operations on Oct. 13 when it had five outpatient visits. “More than 100 clinical investigators use the outpatient and inpatient facilities of the GCRC to conduct their patient-oriented research,” said Dr. Don W. Powell, GCRC director and associate dean of research. The center accommodates more than 3,000 outpatient visits and 2,000 inpatient days each year.
http://www.guidrynews.com/story.aspx?id=1000013020
Biosafety lab passes disaster test
Nature, Oct. 22, 2008
The current issue of this national journal commends UTMB’s new research complex and the staff that secured it: “On 11 November, U.S. officials will dedicate a new research complex containing high-containment labs for deadly pathogens: the $175 million Galveston National Laboratory in Texas. Yet even as questions arise over the safety of other biosecurity research facilities, the cornerstone of the new complex survived its biggest test yet: Hurricane Ike, which devastated Galveston Island last month, left the new biosafety level 4 (BSL-4) lab intact. … [A] sterling effort meant that staff moved dozens of freezers of samples to safety. No infectious agents were released, almost all frozen specimens were saved and highly sensitive colonies of exotic animals were unharmed.” The article quotes UTMB Drs. C.J. Peters, Stan Lemon and Scott Weaver.
http://www.nature.com/news/2008/081022/full/4551012a.html
Similar stories have appeared in various media venues:
The New York Times, Oct. 28, 2008
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/29/us/29lab.html?_r=1&ref=us&oref=slogin
Boston University Today, Oct. 29, 2008
http://www.bu.edu/today/2008/10/28/galveston-biolab-stands-hurricane-ike
Houston Chronicle, Nov. 3, 2008
http://blogs.chron.com/sciguy/archives/2008/11/took_a_peek_ins.html
KHOU-TV (Ch. 11, Houston), Nov. 5, 2008
http://www.khou.com/topstories/stories/khou081105_jj_galveston-lab.183926300.html
Houston Chronicle, Nov. 9, 2008
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ike/galveston/6101518.html
Galveston County Daily News, Nov. 9, 2008
http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=956d3952efe4a9af
Galveston County Daily News, Nov. 12, 2008
http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=ee7fccf31296d1c3
Dallas Morning News, Nov. 16, 2008
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/texassouthwest/stories/DN-ikeside_16tex.ART.State.Edition1.4a63bc5.html
Post-Ike, some UTMB students return
The Daily Texan, Oct. 22, 2008
UTMB welcomed back first- and second-year students in Levin Hall on Monday, five weeks after they fled the island before Hurricane Ike hit. Texas A&M University at Galveston has made its dorms on the island available to UTMB students for the rest of the fall semester. “We’ve got a place to house any kid in one of the four schools who couldn’t find a place for housing,” said UTMB’s Dr. Garland Anderson.
http://www.dailytexanonline.com/post-ike%252C_some_utmb_students_return
Zinc deficiency in Mexican-American children
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, October 2008
Dr. Harold Sandstead and his fellow researchers have published their findings on the prevalence of zinc deficiency in Mexican-American children in the latest issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The study was conducted in Brownsville, Texas. “The Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey suggested some Mexican-American children are at risk of zinc deficiency. We measured the effects of zinc and micronutrients or of micronutrients alone on indexes of cell-mediated immunity and anti-inflammatory plasma proteins.”
http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/full/88/4/1067
UTMB grad students receive financial aid
Galveston County Daily News, Oct. 24, 2008
The American Society for Microbiology is giving $60,000 in direct financial aid for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows working in infectious disease who were personally affected by Hurricane Ike.
http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=6152c979e8f08a61c8545f57966c90b3
UTMB opens cardiology clinic
Galveston County Daily News, Oct. 24, 2008
UTMB’s cardiology clinic opened today in Texas City while the facilities in Galveston, damaged by Hurricane Ike, are repaired. The clinic will be at 6807 Emmett F. Lowry Expressway, Suite 310.
http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=6152c979e8f08a61c8545f57966c90b3
Vaccine cuts severe diarrhea attacks
Gulfnews.com, Oct. 25, 2008
This Reuters article states that an oral vaccine for diarrhea reduced hospitalizations of children with rotavirus by more than 70 percent in some parts of the United States, saved money and protected unvaccinated children, according to three reports. A research team from UTMB found a 94 percent reduction in diarrheal disease after one of the oral vaccines, Rotateq, was introduced. Versions of the article were published all over the world, including on the Web site of this newspaper in Dubai. http://www.gulfnews.com/world/U.S.A/10254489.html
UTMB urgent-care pediatric facility open
Galveston County Daily News, Oct. 27, 2008
A 24-hour urgent care facility for children is open at UTMB, adjacent to the Emergency Department.
http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=c1e58be4a42a77dd
Contaminants in human milk: Weighing the risks against the benefits of breastfeeding
Foodconsumer.org, Oct. 27, 2008
UTMB’S Dr. Armand Goldman is quoted in this article about the pros and cons of breastfeeding. A mother’s milk provides defenses against many pathogens, Goldman says, and does it in a noninflammatory way. By preventing inflammation, he adds, the integrity of the digestive and respiratory systems is preserved to ensure normal nutrition, growth and functioning overall. “This latter effect on the infant's intestinal tract enables the infant to become actively immune to environmental pathogens, but without displaying overt signs of infection or inflammation," Goldman says.
http://foodconsumer.org/7777/8888/C_hildren_amp_W_omen_33/102707552008_
Contaminants_in_Human_Milk_Weighing_the_Risks_against_the_Benefits_of_Breastfeeding.shtml
Superbug MRSA uncommon in daycare centers
Reuters, Oct. 28, 2008
UTMB’s Dr. Angela L. Hewlett is quoted in this article about a study that suggests that the superbug MRSA — methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus — is relatively uncommon among children and workers at daycare centers. However, when a child or worker is "colonized" with MRSA, there is a good chance that his or her family members will be carrying the potentially deadly microbe as well. "Daycare administrators, employees and parents should take an active role in addressing the need for enhanced environmental cleaning and other infection control modalities in order to prevent the spread of MRSA in the daycare setting," Hewlett said. http://www.reutershealth.com/archive/2008/10/28/eline/links/20081028elin030.html
Don’t try quick fixes without homework
Galveston County Daily News, Oct. 28, 2008
UTMB’s Dr. Michael Warren, in his weekly column, urges people to do some research before trying products that promise cures for baldness, guarantee weight loss or some other quick cure for an ailment. Because products made of all-natural ingredients do not require approval by the Food and Drug Administration, many of these products are largely unregulated. “Read the label carefully to determine a product’s ingredients. If you have any doubts, don’t use it. Seek advice from a pharmacist or doctor. Ingredients should always be listed. . . . Don’t risk your health to save money or to chase the impossible dream. And, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is too good to be true!”
http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=459474cfd5497fe55a707f32c24980db
Galveston National Laboratory set for Nov. 11 dedication
Houston Business Journal, Oct. 29, 2008
UTMB’s Dr. Stanley Lemon is quoted in this article about the formal dedication next month of the Galveston National Laboratory. “The GNL brings the focus on global health research to Galveston — and that’s something our local community can be proud of. This facility is indeed a national resource.”
http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2008/10/27/daily25.html A similar version of the same article is in the Galveston County Daily News.
http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=2ef763f1c5cb0cdd
View the video report that appeared on KPRC-TV (Ch. 2, Houston). http://www.click2houston.com/news/17959450/detail.html
Another version of the story was published in The Daily Texan. http://www.dailytexanonline.com/galveston_national_laboratory_opens_on_schedule
Similar articles appeared in the Galveston County Daily News:
Galveston County Daily News, Nov. 11, 2008
http://galvnews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=b4e58852a4e6ce4c
Galveston County Daily News, Nov. 11, 2008
http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=37f43a8fba78d9e5
Keep your little goblins safe this Halloween
Galveston County Daily News, Oct. 29, 2008
In their weekly column, Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly offer numerous safety tips for avoiding injuries on Halloween such as making sure a costume is flame retardant, limiting where children go trick or treating to your neighborhood and checking candy and other treats that they receive for signs for tampering. http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=59b11b7bf30ff135&-session=
TheDailyNews:42F946A7191fc0080AWlK34ED3B3
Early detection is the best defense against breast cancer
Galveston County Daily News, Oct. 29, 2008
In this guest column, UTMB Dr. Colleen Silva of the department of surgery and the UTMB Cancer Center, urges women to be vigilant about annual exams and mammograms to detect breast cancer in its early stages. “Various and novel treatments for breast cancer are improving the life expectancy of many patients as well as their quality of life. Yet, our best and most effective weapon in this fight continues to be a patient’s early detection and early treatment of the disease.” (Link unavailable.)
Citizenship often determines who gets medical care
Los Angeles Times, Oct. 29, 2008
UTMB’s Dr. Karla Vital is mentioned in this article about the different policies of states in providing dialysis to illegal immigrants.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-dialysis29-2008oct29,0,4485373,full.story
Eating strong, smart, green
Chicago Tribune, Oct. 29, 2008
CHICAGO, ILL. – UTMB researcher Douglas Paddon-Jones, at the American Dietetic Association’s Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo, offered advice to baby boomers on nutrition to help maximize muscle growth and reduce the progressive loss of muscle mass that affects people as they age.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/food/chi-health-ada-29oct29,0,5735120.story
Integrative medicine for post-Ike stress
Medical Journal of Houston, October 2008
Dr. Victor S. Sierpina, W.D. and Laura Nell Nicholson Family Professor of Integrative Medicine at UTMB, wrote about managing stress and posttraumatic stress disorder through a variety of techniques including meditation, relaxation and conversation.
(Link unavailable.)
Banker, philanthropist remembered for kindness
Galveston County Daily News, Oct. 31, 2008
Charles Worthen Sr., president emeritus of the Sealy and Smith Foundation, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 28 at the age of 74. He led the foundation from 1992-2005 and was a successful heart transplant recipient more than 19 years ago. “He told people he appreciated the value of each day,” recalled Dr. Garland D. Anderson. A memorial service will be conducted at 1 p.m. today at Moody Memorial First United Methodist Church.
www.galvnews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=409e889f738ffb3d&session=
TheDailyNews:D149FE77192c40C5CBsTgnED9847
Don’t be afraid of a second opinion
Galveston County Daily News, Nov. 4, 2008
Dr. Michael Warren, in his weekly health care column, offers advice on obtaining a second opinion when your health and well-being are at stake. “Definitely get another opinion if treatment involves a risk or great expense; if there is some confusion in the diagnosis or when you do not understand your medical problem; when your physician admits he or she is unsure; or at any time you wish. You can ask your doctor to recommend someone. And don’t be afraid he or she will only pick someone who agrees with him or her. Doctors know such an action would be unethical.”
http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=9f679d223fa3d17ba2f40a83c9cea663
Houston Chronicle, Nov. 4, 2008
This week’s column of UTMB news briefs in the Bay Area section of the Houston Chronicle includes the following: the opening of the UTMB cardiology clinic at the Mainland Medical Center, and Dr. Joan Richardson’s appointment as chairwoman of the pediatrics department. http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nb/bay/news/6094102.html
Children can get stressed out, too
Galveston County Daily News, Nov. 5, 2008
In their Keeping Kids Healthy column, UTMB Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly write that children also get stressed by the fallout caused by Hurricane Ike. “Parents who are fearful of losing a job, grieving over the loss of housing and all the family ‘stuff’ must be aware of how they might feed their children’s anxieties. ... Parents can discuss such problems in earnest with age-appropriate terms with their children, but they must emphasize that, though the times are uncertain, the love each parent feels for the child isn’t at issue.”
http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=a1f398528201944b
Humanities help make UTMB great
Galveston County Daily News, Nov. 7, 2008
Dr. Howard Brody, director of the Institute for the Medical Humanities at UTMB, wrote about a speech given by Harris Kempner in March 1972 when the Harris Kempner Distinguished Professorship in the Humanities in Medicine was created.
http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=5d33be99bb9ed31e
Med students helping med students
KUHF-FM, Nov. 7, 2008
Medical students at UTMB are getting help from peers at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston. The article quotes Melodee Mancuso, director of academic support services and career counseling.
http://app1.kuhf.org/houston_public_radio-news-display.php?articles_id=1226095787
Helicopters fill trauma care void
Galveston County Daily News, Nov. 8, 2008
Because of damage to UTMB from Hurricane Ike, medical helicopters are visiting the island more frequently. The article mentions the selection of UTMB’s Level 1 trauma center as the best in the country in terms of patient survival rate. The National Trauma Data Bank released its rankings last week. The article quotes Dr. Brian Zachariah, UTMB’s emergency room director.
http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=f9675e99254c4bf3
DNA testing of the Romanovs
Medical News Today, Nov. 8, 2008
Saturday’s edition of Medical Discovery News, by UTMB professors Norbert Herzog and David Niesel, focused on the use of DNA science to resolve the mystery of what happened to the last Russian tsar, Nicholas. Medical Discovery News airs at 10 a.m. on KUHF-FM in Houston. The program is aired by 91 radio stations.
http://www.medicaldiscoverynews.com/shows/dnaRomanovs.html
Lack of knowledge often hinders discussions
Galveston County Daily News, Nov. 9, 2008
John F. “Fred” Thomas, of UTMB’s department of preventive medicine and community health, wrote about the services available to help children cope with depression, stress and other issues resulting from Hurricane Ike.
http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=8e979ecb6f5b20c4
Make sure you know Medicare’s DRG rules
Galveston County Daily News, Nov. 11, 2008
Learning about Medicare’s “Diagnostic Related Groups” can save money for patients while helping to contain costs, according to UTMB Dr. Michael Warren in his “It’s Your Health” column. However, it doesn’t cover all medical conditions. “If you undergo some types of surgery without first talking to a Medicare representative, physician or hospital finance officer, you could find a huge bill in your mailbox,” he wrote.
http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=e0480ddb059f6da7
The Houston Chronicle, Nov. 11, 2008
The news briefs in the Bay Area section of the Houston Chronicle this week include Dr. Vicente A. Resto’s promotion as interim chairman of the otolaryngology department.
Docshop says so long, Mary Ann
Galveston County Daily News, Nov. 17, 2008
In her Scenes column, Frances Powell wrote: “Many ’grats to Divafave Mary Ann Ross, who’s retiring from UTMB. Her swansong party at Salsa’s was organized by Pat Reazin and Anna Perez.” http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=92729a3d5b72b60e
UTMB Children’s Hospital won’t reopen soon
Galveston County Daily News, Nov. 18, 2008
This question and answer column focuses on UTMB’s Children’s Hospital. Even though there are no plans to reopen Children’s Hospital, UTMB will open a clinic to provide primary pediatric care in December. A 24-hour urgent care facility for children, a newborn nursery and the neonatal intensive care unit are already in operation on the UTMB campus. When the hospital opens additional inpatient beds, some of those beds will be designated for pediatric patients. All pediatric specialty services will be offered at UTMB clinics on the mainland.
http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=1b61eebb5890a482
Value the support of helpful groups
Galveston County Daily News, Nov. 18, 2008
UTMB's Dr. Michael Warren, in his “It’s your health” column, writes about the benefits offered by support groups. “Support groups ask you to make a commitment to attend meetings and to develop a positive relationship with the group members. Sometimes, family members are asked to participate also, but the fact that you have made the move to seek help is the primary consideration.”
http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=95236803db434988
Thirsty on a desert island? Urine trouble
Austin Chronicle, Nov. 19, 2008 (cover date)
A reader asked if there were any health benefits to drinking urine. Dr. Victor S. Sierpina, of UTMB’s department of family medicine, recommended against it. He said, “I would presume that the recycling of one’s own waste water would soon lead to accelerated fluid and electrolyte abnormalities, rising BUN/creatinine, abnormal osmolality and taste really bad!” The article also quotes Dr. Robert Beach, director of the nephrology and hypertension division at UTMB. He said, “Drinking one’s urine will not be beneficial …. In fact, it would hasten one’s demise.”
http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/Community/MrSmartyPants
Back to the future – UTMB and conversations on a county road
Galveston County Daily News, Nov. 19, 2008
In this guest column, Dr. Ned Snyder, a professor of internal medicine at UTMB, writes about the role of UTMB in providing care of patients from small towns and rural areas of the state and the importance of continuing to do so.
http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=383bc34be366c346
Protect your children from the dangers of secondhand smoke
Galveston County Daily News, Nov. 19, 2008
In their Keeping Kids Healthy column, UTMB Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly write about the danger of secondhand smoke to children ages 3-11. They also write about what parents can do to help protect them.
http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=8ffcfecc01d96df8c8545f57966c90b3
UTMB doc saves life on side of isle road
Galveston County Daily News, Nov. 22, 2008
Dr. Lois Killewich of UTMB and her husband, Jim Gregory, came upon a motorcycle accident where a man had severed a leg. Killewich noticed that a tourniquet was not working after the victim was administered fluids. Killewich pulled down the popliteal artery and held it until she was able to tie it off. “I’ve dealt with incidents of that nature hundreds of times in the operating room,” she said. “But that is the most serious incident I’ve dealt with outside the hospital in my whole career, and I’ve been around for 25 years.”
http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=4ea6aad771fde6e9
UTMB back open
KTRK-TV (Ch. 13, ABC Houston), Nov. 24, 2008
Several UTMB employees including Dr. George Saade, Jamie Heffernan, Deven Cockerell and David Marshall, among others, are featured in this report about the reopening of John Sealy Hospital. http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/video?id=6523581
Similar stories have appeared in various media venues:
Galveston County Daily News, Nov. 22, 2008
http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=6a1b6520f2d79406c8545f57966c90b3
Galveston County Daily News, Nov. 23, 2008
http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=7519608363801b12&-session=
TheDailyNews:42F949731b65038D68ILY36FC065
KTRK-TV (Ch. 13, ABC Houston), Nov. 24, 2008
http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=6521971
Don’t be a helpless bystander; learn CPR
Galveston County Daily News, Nov. 25, 2008
Dr. Michael Warren in his weekly column urges everyone to learn CPR. “Learning CPR is not limited to the physically strong or muscle-bound individual. Anyone can learn; even those with certain physical disabilities can use their expertise by guiding others through the process.”
http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=3f679462f8de5f40
Children lacking insurance a growing problem
Galveston County Daily News, Nov. 26, 2008
In their Keeping Kids Healthy column, Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly write that, with the nation’s economy still in disarray, Texas lawmakers need to be reminded that Texas has the highest rate of uninsured children in the nation, with one in every five children, 1.4 million, without coverage. “Half of these children are eligible for, but not enrolled in CHIP or Medicaid. More than 80 percent of uninsured children have working parents, but they cannot afford private coverage, which costs more than $900 a month according to the Texas Department of Insurance.” The doctors cite a recent report that makes numerous recommendations so that the children of Texas have a better chance of being insured. “Unhealthy children become unhealthy adults. We can work together to have change, to have health insurance for all children and to have a healthier tomorrow.”
http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=93bcefc04c5445e5
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